Digboi, Assam, 17-11-2015
Former champions Shamim, Shankar & Mukesh start as favourites in Digboi
Former champions Shamim Khan, Shankar Das and Mukesh Kumar will start as favourites at the 16th edition of the IndianOil Servo Masters Golf scheduled to be held from November 18 to 21 at the serene Digboi Golf Links. Here is what the three top contenders had to say before the start of the event.
Shamim Khan:
It’s great to be back in Digboi to defend my title. I’ve always played well here, having finished runner-up twice besides my win last year. This is one of those courses where if you win once, you fancy your chances every time.
This course is narrow and short and needs a lot of accuracy. One needs to convert a lot of chip-putts from around the green here. The rain last night has helped make the course softer which will work to the advantage of a lot of players.
I’m feeling good about my game at the moment as the 2015 season has been much better for me than the last one. I’m well placed at sixth in the Rolex Rankings having won a title this year. I just feel that I need to focus more on the last two days. That’s where I’ve been lacking over the past few events.
Shankar Das:
This is where it all began for me. I won my first title here back in 2010 and ever since my career has been on the upswing. Having won here twice I feel this venue suits my game.
After winning the PGTI Order of Merit in 2014, unfortunately I’ve not played that well this year. But I have my hopes high for the last four events of the season as I feel my game is slowly coming together. I know I need to putt better this week.
Chipping and putting are very crucial on this course. According to me, the par-3 10th is the toughest hole. It is longer now and the green is tough as it is small with slopes on both sides. You need to be on the front side of the green to make it count. A par there is as good as a birdie.
Mukesh Kumar:
Having won here six times, more than anyone else, I feel at home in Digboi. I thrive in the conditions here. It has a beautiful and unique undulating layout.
I feel if I can put up another good performance this week, I can make a move up the money list and become a contender in the Rolex Player of the Year race.
Putting holds the key this week. One needs a sharp short game to negotiate this challenging course. If you ask me, the fifth is the toughest hole as it has OB on the right and hazard on the left.
My greatest memory of this venue, even though I don’t recollect the year, is winning with a birdie on the 18th after landing my approach within a couple of feet of the pin. I had the added pressure of knowing that I needed a birdie to win on that occasion. I still pulled it off.
About PGTI:
Formed in 2006, Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) is the recognised official body of professional golf in India. PGTI's objective is to promote professional golf in the country, as well as to give players an opportunity to be involved in the decision making on all aspects of the game. Headed by Mr. Kapil Dev (President), PGTI's governing body comprises leading Indian golf professionals. PGTI currently has over 300 members.
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